POLOKWANE – At age 33, entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Phophi Ramabulana has dedicated her life to empowering women, preserving cultural heritage, and uplifting communities through her tireless work and initiatives.
As the founder of a drop-in aftercare centre, Ramabulana provides children with a safe environment where they can receive assistance with homework, enjoy nutritious meals, engage in fun activities, and stay protected from the dangers of child trafficking.
The centre also supports women by supplying sanitary towels.
Ramabulana’s community impact extends to her role as a youth leader at her local church, where she continues to inspire and guide the younger generation.
A survivor of gender-based violence and major depression, Ramabulana channels her personal experiences into advocacy.
Her focus on improving the lives of children, women, the elderly, and the disabled is further reflected in her work with the South African Department of Social Development.
There, she was instrumental in the development of vital projects such as the Victim Empowerment Programme, the Child Protection Register, and Alternative (Foster) Care Systems.
In 2020, she was recognised for her role in implementing Case Lines South Africa, a digital evidence management system that ensured the smooth running of court proceedings at the High Courts of Pretoria and Johannesburg during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ramabulana’s philanthropic work is far-reaching.
Last August, she partnered with the Department of Education to launch an ICT skills transfer programme, donating 90 laptops to unemployed youths in Limpopo.
Her contributions have earned her multiple accolades, including nominations for the SheAwards Africa 2023 and She Millionaire Africa Business Awards, where she was a runner-up for Community Builder of the Year.
In 2023, she was named CEO of the Year at the Top 100 Executive Awards, and her humanitarian efforts have been recognised with nominations for the prestigious Emerge Africa Awards.
She also received the African Women Awards’ ‘Icon of Africa’ title for her work in economic development and advancement.
Beyond her community service, Ramabulana holds an honorary PhD in philosophy from the Prowess University, US, and serves as the director of African Women Achievers Forum South Africa.
“Our main objective is to recognise and celebrate outstanding African women achievers who have made significant contributions to the continent’s development,” she said.
A proud Rotary International member, she is committed to working with others to create lasting change globally. Ramabulana’s ongoing efforts have also earned her a nomination for the Forty Under 40 SA Awards, as well as an upcoming award for Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) from the Sacca board.
